Max Verstappen explains why he didn’t pay the Abu Dhabi drivers’ dinner bill

Max Verstappen has revealed that he was actually supposed to pick up the bill at the annual drivers' dinner ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but Alpine's Pierre Gasly paid it.

The drivers get together ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi for a dinner organised by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

"Class of 2025. We’re the only people in the world to do what we do and for that we’re incredibly lucky. I’m grateful for this group of drivers I have the privilege of racing against and even though we’re competitors, there’s nothing but respect and I’m proud to call them friends. Hope to give you all a great last race of the season," the Briton posted.

Following the dinner, the question of who picked up the bill was a hot topic in the Yas Marina Circuit paddock, with many of the drivers confirming it was Gasly who paid for the group.

"Well, I tell you, last year was very nice of Valtteri [Bottas], actually, he took the bill," Verstappen explained during Red Bull's Talking Bull podcast.

"So then the drivers are joking a little bit like, 'This year it's Max,' and I was like, 'Yeah, sure', but I was sitting on the opposite side of the entrance of the private room.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

"So, for most of the night you're having a laugh, and then suddenly people were wanting to go, and then we realised that Pierre had already paid for the dinner.

"I was drinking my gin and tonics on the other side," he joked.

He added: "So I guess next time, before I enter, I have to tell them that at the end of the night, the bill is for me so that I can actually finally pay it."

After host Nicola Hume joked that when it comes to Verstappen's turn it will be tap water and a £40 set menu all round, the Dutchman responded: "No. I'm normally very generous with these kind of things. I just didn't get to pay yet, but I'm sure that we have another dinner next year."